Spirit level



Feb. 5, 1929. 1,700,815

J. F. SHOOTER SPIRIT LEVEL Filed Feb. 24, 1926 Patented Feb. 5, 1929.

1,? as are.

JOHN F. SHOOTER, OF GARY, INDIANA.

srinrr LEVEL.

Application filed February 24, 1928. Serial .No. 90,298.

having simple means whereby the bubble tube may be adjustedwhen necessary.

A further object is to provide a spiritlevel of the character specified which is of description.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of the improved spirit-level, parts being shown in section.

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of the improved level, parts being shown in section.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary edge elevation illustrating the adjustable attaching means for one of the bubble tubes.

In the drawing wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention the numeral 5 designates a stock having a recess 6 intermediate the ends thereof to receive a bubble tube 7.

Figure l plainly illustrates that the bubble tube has its ends rounded and received in compressible cups 8 of rubber or the like, which cups are in turn received in the sockets of attaching members 9. In carrying out the invention the socket members 9 which snugly receive the cups 8 are provided with attaching ears 11 secured to the bottom wall of the recess 6 by screws 12 or other fastening devices. Particular attention is directed to the fact that cushions 14 of compressible material are confined between the ears 11 and the bottom wall of the stock 5 and provide a means whereby one or both of the ends of the bubble tube 7 may be raised or lowered as the occasion re-- quires. In other words, by tightening one or both of the 7 screws 12 the cushion or cushions as the case may be are compressed. This provides a means whereby the level and more specifically the bubble tube of-the same may be adjusted.

Figure 2 iliustrates'that a cover plate 16 is secured by screws or other fastening devices at itsends to the stock 5 and extends over the bubble tube to protect the same. Figure 2 clearly illustrates that the plate 16. is confined between the side walls of the recess 6 and is provided with spaced openings.

that the central portion of the protecting plate 16 is unbroken and extends over the crown of the bubble tubeto effectively protect the same. In other words, nails or the like cannot drop on the crown of .the bubble tube and any objects which drop onto the sides of the bubble tube will strike only glancing blows and would not ordinarily break the tube. However, the central closed por ion of the plate 16 does not prevent the operator from clearly observing the position of the bubble in the tube 7.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4 it will be seen that a second bubble tube 30 is arranged in a transverse opening 31 and is adapted for use in connection with vertical or substantially vertical work. Figure 3 clearly shows that the bubble tube 30 has its ends positioned in cups 33 of rubber or other yieldable material and the cups 33 are in turn snugly received in the end portions of an attaching and protecting tube 34, the up per side of which is formed with an opening 36 to afford a view of the bubble tub openings 48 to selectively receive screws 49 whereby the attaching plate '46 and consequently the bubble tube 30 may be adjusted. The provision of the multiplicity of holes stock is provided With a shallow recess some H What greater in area than the area of the attaching plate 46 so that the attaching pla-te may be adjusted Within reasonable limits.

With reference to the foregoing descrip tion takenin connection with the accompanying drawing it Will be seen that a level constructed in accordance With this invention is capable of use in connection With vertical and horizontal Work and may be ad justed" from time to time as the occasion requires and the yieldable supporting means for the bubble tubes reduce the possibility of breakage of the tubes to a minimum so that if the level is handled roughly the tubes Will remain unbroken. Also threading the tube 34 firmly into the boss a l will prevent it from turning to obstruct the bubble tube 30.

1y therethr'ough and a bore extending enmay therethrough at a right angle to said opening and communicating With a portion thereof, of a closure plate for one end of said bore and secured to said stock, said plate having a boss extending into said bore, a bubble tube disposed longitudinally in the bore and having a sliding engagement atone end over said boss whereby to dispose a portion of said tube Within said opening, an end plate closing the opposite end of said bore and having an internally threaded boss extending into said bore in threaded engagement With the adjacent end of said bubble tube, stock attaching flanges at opposite ends of said plate, each of said flanges being formed With a plurality of closely associated apertures for the selective reception of fastening elements whereby said plate may be adjusted-in the stock to effect a movement of saidbubble tube'transversely in the bore. 7 r

In testimony Whereof I affix my signature.

JOHN F. SHOOTER. 

